Multi-function support garment

ABSTRACT

A multi-function support garment comprising a central portion  10  that has an inner and outer surface. An elastic swath  12  connects the sides of the central portion  10  to create a continuous encircling band. Adjustment members  14  are connected to the outer surface of the elastic swath. Free ends  24  of the adjustment members  14  are detachably attached to the central portion. If desired, the adjustment members can be attached in a criss-cross fashion to localize or concentrate the application of inwardly directed supporting pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to support garments and in particular to multifunction support garments used for back support, lower torso (abdominal) support or chest compression.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] Post-operative care, athletic injury, or anatomical weakness have created a demand for various types of support garments.

[0005] Illustrative of the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,122 which issued to Edward H. Yewer, Jr. on Jan. 7, 1997. That reference discloses a convertible support belt. However, the garment disclosed by that reference is limited to use around the waist and can only be adjusted by detaching and reattaching one elastic strap in a circumferential direction. Accordingly, there remain problems associated with difficulties in adjustment and versatility of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention includes a support garment which has multiple adjustment bands that allow varying degrees of compression and can be adjusted vertically or horizontally to allow additional degrees of freedom. The invention is also versatile and can be used for back or abdominal support or chest compression.

[0007] It is a principal object of the present invention to provide varying degrees of compression to targeted areas.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a system which can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to allow an additional degree of freedom.

[0009] The invention has a central portion including an inner surface which is adapted to engage other members. The central portion is inelastic and the inner surface is soft. An elastic swath connects the right and left sides of the central portion to create a continuous encircling band.

[0010] Adjustment members connect to the outer surface of the elastic swath and are arranged in a row. The adjustment members exert pressure on the elastic swath portion and can be extended longitudinally or laterally. Each adjustment member has an attachment means at its end which attaches to the outer surface of the central portion of the garment.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, adjustment members include means for accommodating ice packs. Such means could include a pouch, pocket, a semi-resistant ledge attached to the inside of the adjustment band and the like.

[0012] The multifunction support garment can be used to target the hips, waist, ribs, stomach or chest. The firm central portion of the garment can be placed on the back, front or sides to target compression to any area of the torso.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is an elevation side view of the multifunction support garment showing the free ends of the adjustment members unattached;

[0014]FIG. 2 is an elevation side view of the multifunction support garment showing the free ends of the adjustment members deployed in an attached configuration; and

[0015]FIG. 3 is a near perspective view of the multifunction support garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0016] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a central portion 10 of a multifunction support garment includes an inner surface 26 and an outer surface which is adapted to engage other members. An elastic swath 12 connects the right and left sides of the central portion to create a continuous encircling band. Adjustment members 14 connect to the outer surface of the elastic swath.

[0017] The central portion 10 is comprised of an inelastic material. The central portion of 10 has a first 16 and second edge 18 (FIG. 2) and the elastic swath 12 has a right 20 and left 22 end (FIG. 1).

[0018] The multifunction support garment is configured to provide a versatile article of clothing that allows varying degrees of compression and can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.

[0019] In use, the adjustment members 14, preferably of which there are 3, each have a central portion that is affixed to the elastic swath 12. Each adjustment member 14 has a free end 24 that is detachably attached to the first 16 or second 18 edge of the central portion 10.

[0020] As depicted in FIG. 1, the adjustment members are attached in a row proximate the middle of the elastic swath. In use, the adjustment members exert a pressure upon the elastic swath portion when attached thereto.

[0021] If desired, one or more of the adjustment members may include means for accommodating other accouterments such as ice packs, heating pads and the like.

[0022] In use, each of the 3 adjustment bands has the capability of extending longitudinally or laterally (circumferentially) to allow additional degrees of freedom of choice so that pressure can be localized to a desired part of the anatomy.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the means by which the free end of each adjustment member can be attached to the central portion can include, without limitation, attachment means such as VELCRO®, buttons, press studs, adhesive tape, and the like.

[0024] When the central portion is placed on the wearer's back, the multi-function support garment effectively provides support to that area of the anatomy. When the central portion is placed in front, the multi-function support garment effectively supports the lower torso (abdomen) or, if desired, the upper torso (chest) if placed thereabout.

[0025] One attribute of the elastic swath is that it does not crease or fold when placed in situ and is readily compliant with the anatomical shape of the wearer.

[0026] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multifunction support garment comprising: a central portion including an inner surface and an outer surface which is adapted to engage other members; an elastic swath which connects the sides of the central portion to create a continuous encircling band; and adjustment members attached to the elastic swath.
 2. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment members are attached in a row proximate the middle of the elastic swath.
 3. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment members have free ends that exert pressure upon the central portion when attached thereto.
 4. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment members include means for accommodating accouterments.
 5. A multifunction support garment according to claim 2, wherein the three adjustment bands have the capability of extending longitudinally or laterally in a cross-cross fashion to allow additional degrees of freedom.
 6. A multifunction support garment according to claim 2, wherein each adjustment member has an attachment means at its end which attaches to the outer surface of the central portion.
 7. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the device can be used to support the hips, waist, ribs or chest.
 8. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the central portion can be placed on the back, front, or side of the wearer to target compression to any area of the torso.
 9. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the elastic swath does not crease or fold when placed in situ and is readily compliant with the anatomical shape of the wearer.
 10. A method of using the multi-function support garment according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: positioning the central portion of the support garment so that its inner surface is located proximate to an anatomical area to which support is to be directed; attaching a free end of each adjustment member to an outer surface of the central portion under tension so that the adjustment members lie approximately in a parallel orientation with respect to each other or at least two of them are oriented in a criss-cross fashion. 